410 patients receive chemotherapy at Day Care Cancer Centre in 3 months

The newly inaugurated Day Care Cancer Chemotherapy Centre at Civil Hospital, Jalandhar, has served 410 patients in its first three months of operation. Launched on July 20, 2025, Jalandhar became the second district in Punjab, after Bathinda, to establish such a facility.

The centre saw 35 patients in its first three days and has recorded an OPD of 550 patients over the past three months. This marks the first time the district civil hospital is providing any form of cancer treatment, offering free chemotherapy, diagnostics, OPD services, and day care facilities. Previously, patients from Jalandhar and surrounding areas had to travel to PGI Chandigarh or private hospitals for treatment.

The eight-bedded facility is equipped with essential medicines, oxygen, and 10 ventilators. Oncologist Dr Prabhsharan Kaur, who manages the centre, said, “We have had 410 patients avail chemotherapy treatment at the civil hospital in the past three months. Our daily OPD sees 18 to 20 patients. Chemotherapy is available free of cost under schemes like Ayushman Bharat, and charitable organisations such as Sahara Sewa Samiti are supporting patients, ensuring affordable cancer care, reducing treatment defaults and aiding successful completion of therapy.”

According to Dr Kaur, lifestyle cancers, genetic cancers, oral cancers, tobacco-related cancers and breast cancer are the most prevalent in the region. “The facility is mostly full. Oral cancers—including oesophageal, tongue and throat cancers—along with gall bladder and breast cancers are common. We advise patients to quit tobacco, avoid oily or junk foods containing preservatives, and minimise smoke in their surroundings,” she added.